Medicare should change its ID number policy

Several weeks ago I had my wallet and cellphone taken from my handbag. If this has ever happened to you, you know the stress of canceling credit cards, bank cards, store cards, the hassle of getting a new driver's license, the police reports and especially the invasion of privacy considering that my emails and email contacts are on my smart phone. The thieves have not only my information but also that of my friends and family. Despite all of this, after a week I had replacements for all the credit cards and non-credit cards and a new driver's license.

However, what I cannot get back, ever, is my Social Security number. I would never carry my Social Security card, but I was carrying my Medicare card. The ID number on your Medicare card is your Social Security number. So for the rest of my life I know that some criminal (or many) has my Social Security number and I will need to check my credit history and credit scores often.

Do not carry your Medicare card with you. If you need to visit a doctor or hospital, then take it. In an emergency, you would be able to give your Medicare ID number because you know your Social Security number.

Until a few years ago, health insurance cards used Social Security numbers as the ID numbers. That was declared either illegal and/or ill-advised and now that is no longer true. So why is it OK to use the Social Security number on a Medicare card? Contact the Social Security Administration and your government representative to change this.